Lions vs. Bears: Chicago expert picks Detroit to win

2. What’s been the team’s biggest surprise so far this season to you?

MB: The biggest surprise has been how quickly everything has come together for the Bears. I expected the offense to struggle this season with a new system and so many new faces on that side of the ball. They’re ahead of schedule with Matt Nagy’s leadership and Mitch Trubisky’s development.

On the defensive side of the ball, most Bears fans expected the unit to be good, maybe as good as top 5.  With the addition of Khalil Mack and the emergence of safety Eddie Jackson to go along with steadily improving performances from guys like Akiem Hicks and Kyle Fuller, this Bears defense is tops in the NFL in many categories.

3. What would you consider to be the Bears’ biggest strength? Biggest weakness?

MB: I’d say the Bears biggest strength is their defense, and to put a finer point on it, their front seven.  The Bears are STACKED up front. Besides the aforementioned Mack and Hicks, the Bears have studs at nearly every spot. Rookie Roquan Smith has stepped in at inside linebacker and led the team in tackles. Don’t overlook guys like Eddie Goldman, Leonard Floyd and Bilal Nichols in the front seven.

The biggest weakness for the Bears has been their running game, specifically Jordan Howard.  Howard, who topped 1,000 yards in each of his first two years, has struggled this season in Matt Nagy’s system. Howard isn’t even getting 3.5 yards/carry and didn’t even get to 2 YPC against the Lions a couple of weeks ago. With reports that Mitch Trubisky might miss the game with a shoulder injury, the running game would be crucial to taking pressure off Chase Daniel, Trubisky’s presumed backup.